About Us

The Society of Gender Professionals (SGP) is a feminist, non-profit organization of gender practitioners, academics, and activists dedicated to promoting feminist action and applied research, and raising the profile of gender expertise around the world.

We specifically strive to:

  • Promote the development of intersectional gender expertise for professional practice

  • Strengthen connections between gender theory, policy, and practice

  • Promote member collaboration, network-building, mentoring, and leadership

  • Foster the production and dissemination of applied gender research

  • Provide a platform for the exchange of gender information and resources

  • Advance gender equality in member communities through coordinated feminist action

The need for gender expertise has grown exponentially since the Fourth World Conference on Women held in Beijing, China in 1995. That year, the world reaffirmed the urgent need to protect the human rights of women and governments committed to systematically address gender inequalities in their societies through gender mainstreaming and gender integration. Since then, Gender Specialists have been recruited by governments, companies, and nonprofit organizations to help formulate policies, design programs, evaluate activities, train, teach, and mentor.

As the field of gender expertise grows, so does our need to formalize, organize, and standardize the profession. No professional associations currently exist for individuals whose careers revolve around gender-related research and practice. As new Gender Specialists enter the field, they often lack resources, networks, mentors, training, frameworks, and access to research, as well an intergenerational understanding of gender expertise.

Who We Are

The founding members of SGP include gender advisors, academics, and international development and education professionals. With SGP still in its infancy, all members will help shape the direction and future of the organization based on the gaps and opportunities they see in their professional networks, academic institutions, local organizing efforts, and more.